C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Multiplication & Division·procedural

Shape patterns

Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule; identify apparent features of the pattern not explicit in the rule and explain informally why they occur

Suggested ages 9–10

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Learning journey

Your child is mastering more complex multiplication and division — working with larger numbers, understanding factors and multiples, solving multi-step problems, and beginning to use formal written methods.

Evidence of understanding

  • Given 'start at 1, add 3', generate terms and notice they alternate odd/even
  • Given a shape pattern, predict the next three terms and describe the rule
  • Explain why starting at 2 and adding 4 always gives even numbers

Assessment prompt

If Shape patterns is told 'start at 3 and multiply by 2 each time', can they write out the pattern — 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 — and spot any interesting features in how it grows?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.